It’s no secret that producers have been struggling to keep up with the rising demand for goat meat around the world. A popular alternative for producers is the Boer goat, which was developed in South Africa in the early 1900s. Here are some ideas on how to farm Boer goats if you’re interested in starting your own herd. Wait…before you get too excited about learning how to raise Boer goats, make sure it’s the appropriate choice for you.
Boer goats are bred for meat production rather than milk production, therefore if you want to raise meat goats, the Boer goat is ideal. This goat breed has a high reproductive rate, is better at mothering than other goat breeds, and produces high-quality meat. Aside from those characteristics, the Boer breed has a strong tolerance to disease and can adapt well to changing climates and environments.
You should buy your Boer goats from reputable breeders rather than stock yard auctions if you want to start rearing them. By doing so, you can reduce or eliminate the risk of purchasing a diseased Boer breed. Maintain the resale value of your goats by having a registration paper. Have your goats’ health checked by a veterinarian on a regular basis. Vaccination, deworming, and coat grooming may be required for healthy goat production.
Also, keep in mind these guidelines for raising Boer goats. Your goats will need a fenced-in and protected space. The enclosed grazing area should be large enough for your goats to roam about and get some exercise. Goats are known for eating virtually anything, even landscapes, so inspect your fence frequently and fix any damage quickly to keep your goats from escaping. When creating a covered shelter space, keep in mind your goats’ needs, such as reproduction and protection from inclement weather.
Set up water troughs and clean them on a regular basis to ensure access to fresh water. To assist protect your herd from rain or extreme heat, provide covered feed bunks. Because goats require grass and weeds to graze, split a pasture into pieces and alternate grazing areas. Move your goats from one pasture to another to keep them active and to improve the quality of their meat.
You may expect a healthier and higher-quality Boer breed if you remember these suggestions on how to rear Boer goats. Start your own herd and have fun!